Get ready to get the most out of your mid-year review

    Are you on track?  Have you done the things you want to do?  Have you achieved what you thought you would by now?  Are you feeling good about your goals and accomplishments?

    Just the mention of a performance review can get your heart racing and your palms sweaty. However, the mid-year review is an important component of Yale’s performance management strategy. It provides the opportunity to discuss with your manager what you are doing well, what you could do better, and how to position yourself to add even more value to the organization. It is also a chance to discuss your goals and deliverables for the months ahead, revisit your career goals, and ask for support.  Get the most from your mid-year review discussion by being prepared!

    Six Things to Do at Your Mid-Year Review

    1. Talk about your “what” and “how” achievements
      Discussing your achievements (the “what”) is a good way to highlight what you have been doing over the past six months. Come prepared with solid proof—a list of targets you have met and projects you have worked on. Just as important is to detail the “how” by highlighting the skills and behaviors you demonstrated to achieve these results.
    2. Own up to your misses
      No one is perfect, so if there were goals or projects that you did not accomplish, talk about these misses, and what you learned from the experience.  
    3. Review your goals and deliverables for the next six months
      This review will give you something to base your progress on, which will be important when it comes to your annual review.
    4. Give feedback to your manager
      The mid-year discussion is intended to help you, your manager, and the overall organization. If you feel that you may need more support from your manager, now is the chance to say something.
    5. Discuss your development
      Think about your top work and personal related goals for the remainder of the performance year. Come prepared to discuss what skills you need to develop to achieve these goals.  What learning opportunities should you take advantage of?
    6. Ask your questions
      Come prepared with questions to ask your manager, like “How have I met or exceeded your expectations since our last check-in?” “What specific feedback can you provide on a recent project or deliverable?” “How does my performance contribute to the team’s success?” “What training or skills acquisition would make me more effective in my role?” “Where could I have done better/how can I improve?”

    Looking to Learn Something New This Year?
    Take advantage of the Yale offerings to enhance your learning!

    Performance Management Resources
    Yale Performance Management | It’s Your Yale
    Get Ready for Those Mid-Year Performance Discussions (yale.edu)
    Your performance review in context (linkedin.com)
    Give yourself an honest performance review (linkedin.com)